Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just got a BTS and as usual had done my homework before actually purchasing him. I found that most of the websites on their care have conflicting information. I wanted to post here to see what you people are doing.

First of all was the UVB light. Some say yes, others say no. Do they need the light or not?

Second is UTH vs overhead heat lamp. Should they have a basking light or is the UTH enough to keep them warm.

Third is the ratio of meat to fruits/veggies. Some say 40% meat to 60% greens, while others say 60% meat to 40% greens. Some said feed pinkies, while others said low cal dog food.

Please help me clear up all these questions so Anubis will be happy and healthy.

Thanks, Randi

>>I just got a BTS and as usual had done my homework before actually purchasing him. I found that most of the websites on their care have conflicting information. I wanted to post here to see what you people are doing.
>>

Congrats on your skink, and good job on researching first!

>>First of all was the UVB light. Some say yes, others say no. Do they need the light or not?
>>

Nothing has been proven that they NEED uvb. While many have bred and raised BT's with no uvb exposure, it is not clear as to if the somehow could be "better" (physically or physcologically) with it. Ultimately it comes down to personal choice. I do not feel that they require uvb, but do provide it, if for nothing else but my own reasurrance.

>>Second is UTH vs overhead heat lamp. Should they have a basking light or is the UTH enough to keep them warm.
>>

Again, what could be adequite vs preferred. UTH's will provide enough heat for thermoregulation and digestion, however, I prefer to use overhead lights as this is more natural. BT's are diurnal, and do bask, so I would not want to deprive them of this. A combination of both is what some keepers provide.

>>Third is the ratio of meat to fruits/veggies. Some say 40% meat to 60% greens, while others say 60% meat to 40% greens. Some said feed pinkies, while others said low cal dog food.
>>

I hate to sound like a broken record, but again, personal choice. Myself, I feel that pinkies are not nutritionally complete, but neither is dog food. A varied diet will ensure that all of the skinks needs are met. This could include pinkies, dog food, snails, ground turkey, or a multitude of meats and veggies. What is important is to not base the diet sctrictly on one element. The perecentages are rough guidelines only. One week I may feed 50/50 another 75/25 or 25/75. As long as the variety of veggies and meats are maintained both individually and combined, you'll have no problems.

>>Please help me clear up all these questions so Anubis will be happy and healthy.
>>
>>Thanks, Randi

Congrats again, and good luck.
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Craig Loose
The Blue Tongue Pages

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Craig Loose
The Blue Tongue Pages

I am also reading up on BTS and I have found a simular prob with the info. I think a vaired diet is the key, but I also think that baby BTS may need a little more meats than adults because they are growing fast.

Hi Randi
I'm pretty new to skink keeping too. I've found that although they are supposed to have both, my BTS much prefers meat over veges. If I put both out, she'll gobble the meat and leave the veges (rather like my 3 yr old...)So I've taken to sometimes mixing them up together so she's getting both. I agree with others that variety is the key, and I also think that just like people, skinks have their own have personal preferences and you'll have to find out by trial and error just what Anubis likes! Good luck.
Susan

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